Frank Odell Ragland

MANSFIELD, LA-Mr. Frank Odell Ragland was born on January 31, 1927 to Henry Warden and Mary Lorena Ragland in Lufkin, TX and passed away at his home on January 5, 2018 after a lengthy battle with skin cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Warden Lockart; and his sister, Mary Louise Russell. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Peggy Barclay Ragland of Mansfield, LA; his son, Michael Flynn Ragland and wife Dr. Jane Ragland of Jacksonville, TX; his daughter, Mary Kathryn Gompper and husband CDR Jim Gompper (Ret.) of Crawford, TX; two grandchildren, Kathryn Gompper and James Harold Gompper; his sister, Betty Ragland Reeves of Lufkin, TX; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was a proud graduate of Texas A&M Class of 1948. He attended MIT in 1958 in a study for Lufkin Industries. He had a long career in the truck/trailer industry. He worked for Hutchens Industries, in Springfield, MO serving as vice-president of Engineering, Nabors Trailers, in Mansfield, LA as Chief Engineer. He retired from Lufkin Industries as Chief Engineer of Lufkin Trailers. He served in the Merchant Marines until the end of WWII. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict; he was an Atomic Veteran. He served his community in the Rotary Club of Lufkin, TX. He was part of the group that assembled the first Lufkin Industries pumping unit "Rudolph" that Lufkinites enjoy each Christmas season still today. He was particularly happy to have been involved with the development of the Ellen Trout Zoo. He was an active member of TTMA for many years. He was a lifelong Episcopalian serving on the vestry at St. Cyprian's in Lufkin, TX and Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Mansfield, LA. After retirement he and Peggy enjoyed many years of traveling in their Airstream. When he could no longer actively travel, they had great fun at Texas Airstream Harbor Incorporated (TAHI) on beautiful Sam Rayburn Lake. The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Regional Hospice of Shreveport, LA. A memorial service will held at a later date.